Hello [firstname],

I'm wheels up to D.C. to vote and advocate for our district in Congress, but I wanted to take a moment to share some updates and headlines from the impactful work I'm doing for Massachusetts' Second District. With warmer weather on the way, I've been excited to see many of you around town and at community events. This is one of my favorite times of the year and I hope you're finding some time outside, too.

Here's the latest on what's happening in the Second District:

Farming is tough work, but it's essential for providing fresh, local and nutritious food for our families. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I've always enjoyed hearing directly from farmers about what matters most to them and how I can help them not only stay afloat, but thrive.

I'm grateful to Aoma for showing me around Bombeta Farms and for organizing a discussion with local advocacy groups on the challenges young farmers face acquiring land.

By Tristan Smith

Veterans served our country with honor and they shouldn't have to keep fighting after returning home. We have a special responsibility to care for our soldiers after they stepped up for all of us. 

My office led and organized a veterans listening session in Florence in response to the potential closure of the VA Medical Center in Leeds. Let me be clear: closing this site would be bad for veterans, bad for their families, and bad for our community.

I lead a letter with nearly every member of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to let VA Secretary Denis McDonough know we are against this recommendation. I plan on meeting with him and, if needed, President Biden to share what I heard from this listening session and our strong opposition. Our veterans service and their stories matter.

I know the effects of the pandemic continue to be challenging for many, but especially for those who speak another language. Imagine trying to navigate a health advisory in a language you don't understand.

That's why I was excited to visit a Worcester Public Schools program using American Rescue Plan funding to broaden access to English for Speakers of Other Languages classes. The funding helped drastically reduce the program's waitlist and with supplies.

As Chair of the House Rules Committee, I fought hard to make sure this funding was included in the final legislation because initiatives like these allow people to become more full members of our community and we all benefit from their talents and contributions.

By Spectrum News Staff

I strongly believe working families are at the center of this country and the contributions of the middle class are critical to America's success.

I was happy to stand in solidarity with Starbucks workers in Worcester who are joining the national organized labor movement and filing to form a union. It was inspiring listening to their ideas for a better workplace and I'm committed to bringing their fight to D.C. and continue calling on the Senate to pass the PRO Act, making it harder for greedy corporations to disrupt union organizing.

I hope you found this newsletter informative and that you and your family are staying safe and healthy. Doing this work is a pleasure and I'm grateful for opportunities like this to connect with you directly.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to any of my offices if I can be of assistance. I'll be sure to keep you updated on these issues and more!

All my best,

James P. McGovern

Member of Congress